Wisely has successfully delivered a tightly scheduled Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) shutdown at Stanmore Resources’ South Walker Creek Coal Mine, completing complex mechanical, structural, and commissioning works within a fixed 13 day shutdown window.
The project is a strong demonstration of Wisely’s ability to deliver certainty in high‑risk, production‑critical mining environments where safety, schedule, and operational outcomes must align.
A Critical Shutdown with No Room for Delay
Stanmore Resources required a coordinated shutdown solution to replace key CHPP assets and remediate structural degradation, while ensuring the plant was returned to service on schedule to support ongoing production.
Operating within an active coal preparation facility, the shutdown demanded disciplined planning, precise sequencing, and close coordination across multiple work fronts. With no opportunity to extend the shutdown duration, success depended on getting it right the first time.
Wisely was engaged to manage and execute the works end‑to‑end, leveraging deep shutdown experience and integrated delivery across mechanical, structural, and piping disciplines.
Integrated Delivery Across Multiple Disciplines
Wisely’s scope of work covered the removal, replacement, installation, and commissioning of critical CHPP infrastructure.
Removal works included the Dense Medium Cyclone, feed chutes, product and reject screens, associated underpans, and the reject screen discharge chute. In parallel, Wisely completed targeted structural remediation, removing corroded structural members and installing replacement steel to restore long term structural integrity.
Installation works comprised a new reject screen discharge chute, new product and reject screens with underpans, and associated piping. Mechanical completion activities and commissioning were then undertaken to confirm system readiness and ensure the CHPP could safely return to operation within the planned shutdown window.
This integrated, multi discipline approach reduced handover risks, improved coordination, and enabled multiple activities to be executed concurrently without compromising safety or quality.
The successful outcome was underpinned by:
- Detailed front end shutdown planning
- Proactive work sequencing across mechanical, structural, and piping scopes
- Strong onsite leadership and coordination
- Experienced shutdown personnel familiar with CHPP environments
- An uncompromising focus on safety, quality, and schedule certainty
Working under shutdown conditions requires flexibility and precision. Wisely’s teams adapted to real time site conditions while maintaining control of critical path activities, ensuring progress was sustained across the full shutdown period.
Results That Matter
The South Walker Creek CHPP shutdown was completed on schedule, with no impact to the planned production restart. New equipment was successfully installed and commissioned, structural integrity was restored, and key process areas were upgraded to support improved reliability and maintainability.
Most importantly, the project delivered certainty for Stanmore Resources, minimising downtime and supporting ongoing operational performance.
Trusted Shutdown Delivery Partner
This project reinforces Wisely’s reputation as a trusted partner for complex shutdown delivery in operational mining environments. Our ability to integrate disciplines, manage risk, and execute under pressure ensures our clients can maintain confidence in their critical assets when downtime is not an option.
